German Political Rift Deepens Over Potential Russian Gas Imports

The Green Party demands CDU leader Friedrich Merz exclude members advocating for Russian gas discussions from coalition talks.

Green Party leader Konstantin von Notz has called for the removal of CDU politicians Jan Heinisch and Thomas Bareiß from coalition negotiations due to their comments on resuming Russian gas imports.
Heinisch and Bareiß suggested that Russian gas imports could be reconsidered if peace is achieved and relations with Russia normalize.
The CDU clarified that these views are personal opinions and do not reflect the official party stance, reaffirming their commitment to reducing reliance on Russian energy.
Von Notz criticized Merz's response as insufficient, implying ongoing ties between the CDU and Russia, and expressed frustration at the SPD's silence on the issue.
The halted Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a symbol of Germany's former energy reliance on Russia, remains a contentious point in the broader debate over energy policy and national security.